A top Zimbabwean safari guide was mauled to death by a lion as he protected a tour group, including five New Zealanders.

Quinn Swales, 40, was killed on Monday morning when leading a walking group through Hwange National Park, also home to celebrated lion Cecil, who was killed last month.

The walking party of five New Zealanders and a French national came across a pride of lions. An adult male lion rose and walked "purposefully" towards the group, according to a statement released by Camp Hwange, where the group was staying.

"As he had done numerous times in his career, Quinn immediately briefed his guests on what to expect and instructed them to get behind him and not move."

They tried shouting at the lion to intimidate it and Mr Swales let off a loud "bear banger". This seemed to work at first and the lion moved off.

"But it suddenly turned and instantaneously charged and attacked Quinn who had continued to place himself between his guests and the animal," the Camp Hwange statement says.

"Quinn bore the full brunt of the charge and, unable to fire his rifle due to the speed of the attack, literally stopped the attack of the lion on his group by placing himself directly in harm's way.